Prime Issues for Households To Do within the Outer Banks This Summer time

Planning the right household journey to the Outer Banks this summer time? There’s tons to do and greater than you may count on, from nature to historical past, eating to dwell theater. 

This isn’t a complete record of completely the whole lot for households to do within the Outer Banks. Past the sights under, there are sightseeing excursions; water sports activities corresponding to fishing, parasailing, and paddling; arcades; laser tag; procuring; parks; and historic websites just like the Wright Brothers Nationwide Memorial.

However should you’re brief on time, I’ve lined up the experiences you don’t need to miss. I’ll additionally share ideas for the place to remain on Roanoke Island and on the seashore in addition to the place to eat. Choose and select what your loved ones will take pleasure in to design your personal magical OBX getaway. 

1. The Misplaced Colony 

 

Finest for: A memorable night time out

The right way to clarify “The Misplaced Colony” to the uninitiated? Its largest declare to fame is because the nation’s longest operating out of doors symphonic drama. Which may sound like a musical, however it isn’t. It’s the true and nonetheless unsolved thriller of America’s first English settlers, following the ill-fated colony of 1587, which vanished simply three years after arriving, abandoning solely the cryptic phrase “CROATOAN” carved right into a publish. 

Relive the action-packed retelling of what did and should have occurred, from choreographed sword fights to a panoramic ocean-crossing scene full with thunderstorm. Elaborate set design, inventive puppetry, and fireplace add to the spectacle.

The present is held nightly, besides Sundays, each summer time within the big open-air amphitheater at Fort Raleigh Historic Website on Roanoke Island. This 12 months, their season runs from Could 29 to Aug. 23, 2025. Entrancing for all ages, it’s price making a visit to OBX simply to see this legendary efficiency that has wowed over 4 million spectators since 1937.

2. Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Finest for: Outside journey

While you consider nature within the Outer Banks, you most likely consider seashores, however do you know it’s dwelling to the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast? 

The shifting panorama at Jockey’s Ridge State Park seems nearly unreal with its huge expanse of soppy pale brown peaks and islands of inexperienced bushes peeping by way of. One of the simplest ways to expertise it? Kick off your footwear and climb to the highest, providing a panoramic sweep of each the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound.

Past the views, Jockey’s Ridge is an journey hub. Hold gliders catch the breeze from its slopes and are enjoyable to observe. Children will love flying kites from the highest of the dunes. It’s also possible to go kiteboarding, windsurfing, and sandboarding, and there’s swimming entry on the soundside. 

Tip: It is a fabulous spot for sunrises and sunsets.

Admission is free.

3. Jennette’s Pier

Finest for: Affordability and comfort

Jennette’s Pier is greater than a spot to go fishing, although it’s nice for that too.

Run by the North Carolina Aquarium, this attraction options free indoor fish reveals, formally known as the Pier Piling Aquarium. And actually, the AC presents a welcome respite. With clear restrooms, benches, and Wi-Fi, it’s a pleasant spot to regroup for a couple of minutes whereas the youngsters are mesmerized by the colourful fish. 

Exterior, the pier stretches 1,000 toes into the Atlantic. You may stroll the pier for a nominal charge. For an particularly nice photograph for no value, head beneath the place the picket pilings body the waves rolling in.

4. Roanoke Island Pageant Park 

 

Finest for: Dwelling historical past 

We couldn’t resolve if the sailor on the ship was really British or simply tremendous into his function, however suffice it to say, the dwelling historical past interpreters at Roanoke Pageant Island Park actually do convey historical past to life. Step aboard the Elizabeth II, a duplicate Sixteenth-century crusing ship, to learn the way they steered ships earlier than they’d useful issues like wheels and the way the early expeditions to the New World have been run.

Positioned by itself 25-acre island, the park presents a glimpse of early settler life as you watch the blacksmith ply his commerce, attempt your hand at woodworking, and gown up in armor, 1500s-style. 

Elsewhere, hearken to Native American tales (like how the solar acquired its rays), go to the indoor museum with its interactive reveals, and watch a movie concerning the Roanoke voyages.

All in all, it’s an important cease whenever you’re touring across the Outer Banks with youngsters so you may low-key slip one thing instructional into the enjoyable.

5. Elizabethan Gardens 

 

Finest for: Anybody who likes flowers or fairies 

In case you have a child into fairies, there’s a particular deal with in retailer for them on the Elizabethan Gardens. Choose up a map to hunt for all 12 sprites hidden across the backyard. In addition they have a youngsters’s backyard, known as the Discovery Cottage, the place youngsters can climb a ship, dig within the soil, play in a mini Elizabethan home, and be taught by way of terrariums, microscopes, and extra indoors. Close by is an lively butterfly backyard buzzing with pollinators.

All ages can admire the gorgeous floral show by way of the seasons: camellias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, roses, wisteria, and extra. There’s all the time one thing in bloom.

The gardens additionally characteristic sculptures and fountains that elevate the pure magnificence. See a monumental bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth I, the biggest on the earth, and the marble determine of Virginia Dare as she might need appeared if she lived to maturity. (Did she? Nobody is aware of.) 

Tip: Go as quickly as they open in summer time for the most effective climate. 

6. Outer Banks Seashores

Finest for: A calming day within the solar

In your North Carolina highway journey, you’ve acquired to take the household to the OBX seashores. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for large stretches of sand to unfold out, shelling, or need to trip the waves, the OBX shoreline delivers. Widespread seashores in Nags Head and Kitty Hawk are simply accessible. 

And there are many beachy eats close by on this space. I like to recommend I Received Your Crabs, an oyster bar owned and household restaurant owned by a third-generation OBX fisherman. No-nonsense and informal, this place is beloved by locals for its contemporary seafood. Splurge on the nachos, loaded with eight ounces of contemporary blue crab and many cheese — so good.

For one thing cool and candy, Surfin’ Spoon is our prime decide. Go for frozen yogurt with all of the toppings and mouthwatering ice cream cookie sandwiches (like a pretzel graham cracker cookie full of sea salt caramel ice cream). It’s powerful to resolve between a sandwich and a bowl of froyo, however households are made for sharing.

7. Duck Boardwalk 

Finest for: Procuring and eating

This boardwalk is a free attraction well worth the brief drive north to the charming city of Duck.

Take in the pure surroundings alongside the Currituck Sound, and dip into the Waterfront Outlets for eclectic presents, style, and souvenirs. The unique Duck Donuts is right here too, a should should you’ve by no means tried one. There are additionally full-service eating places on the Duck Boardwalk, like NC Coast Grill & Bar, Aqua Restaurant, and The Blue Level, the place you may dig into hearty plates of surf and turf proper by the water.

Discover lots extra eating close by. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a cultured dinner that’s nonetheless household pleasant, hit up Purple Sky Informal Eating & Cocktails. Their U-10 scallops are scrumptious. 

8. Outer Banks Nationwide Scenic Byway 

Finest for: A scenic drive

If you happen to’re on this website, you most likely don’t thoughts a drive. The Outer Banks Nationwide Scenic Byway is likely one of the finest, a coastal route stretching 138 miles alongside NC Freeway 12.

Remember to go to Bodie Island Lighthouse. If you wish to climb to the highest, simply get tickets on-line upfront since you may’t purchase tickets there. However even should you don’t have climbing tour tickets, you may benefit from the grounds, birds, trails, and photographing the gorgeous striped lighthouse.

There are many different pull-offs alongside your drive towards Hatteras Island. Pack a swimsuit and seashore gear in your automobile. You by no means know whenever you’ll come throughout the right empty stretch of shoreline that calls to you. 

Tip: Swing by Waves Market and Deli for his or her glorious, budget-friendly sandwiches, and take them to go to take pleasure in beachside. 

On the drive again north, pull over at one of many soundside entry factors between Avon and Buxton to observe the solar sink behind the Pamlico Sound.

The place To Keep within the Outer Banks

It is a in style trip vacation spot, so count on a big selection relating to lodging. 5-star resorts? You wager. Roadside motels? They’ve acquired ’em.

Listed below are two nice stays I can personally suggest. 

The Pearl

Conveniently situated in downtown Manteo, The Pearl presents a boutique lodge expertise that’s elegant but additionally snug and informal. It’s nice for households and could be completely excellent for a {couples} getaway.

Every of the 16 rooms are uniquely embellished with paintings and accents that may remind you of an Italian palazzo. I cherished the subtle touches of vintage gold and inexperienced towards shades of taupe and sandstone in my room in addition to the luxurious materials, Gilchrist and Soames toiletries, trendy and modern tiled lavatory, and sensible TV dealing with the mattress. They’ve household suites too if you wish to unfold out, and the entrance desk service is heat and welcoming. 

We particularly cherished our go to to the foyer every morning for espresso and a light-weight breakfast, included with our keep. It often featured one thing pleasant from Mia’s Bake Store & Tea Room throughout the road — espresso cake, danish, or (our absolute favourite) candy potato biscuits with ham.

Bonus: The Pearl has the most effective view in all of Manteo from their rooftop greenspace. You may take your morning pastry up there to take pleasure in lounging on the astroturf or wind down the day swinging on a porch swing at sundown.

The Pearl’s location in the course of Manteo’s waterfront district means there’s loads inside simple strolling distance. Throughout my two-night keep, we strolled to Poor Richard’s Sandwich Store for lunch, cooled off with ice cream from Frosties Downtown Manteo, dropped into artsy retailers, and wandered out to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse to benefit from the view. 

Surf Facet Lodge

For households preferring beachside digs, the Surf Facet Lodge in Nags Head is an reasonably priced spot with a primo location. Located proper on the ocean, this lodge supplies personal seashore entry and even complimentary seashore towels and chairs so you may maximize your time swimming, browsing, sunbathing, or constructing sandcastles.

The rooms are snug, and the balcony views can’t be beat.

They’ve acquired nice facilities too: not one however two swimming pools (indoors and out), a sizzling tub, contemporary cookies every day, and a wine and cheese reception within the afternoon. A buffet breakfast is included, serving conventional fare like biscuits and gravy, bagels, grits, fruit cups, mini quiches, and way more. If you could head out early, additionally they have a continental breakfast earlier than 8 a.m. that’s a bit extra restricted with pastries and different assorted treats that will help you in your approach.

Associated